Lakota budget cuts could affect a dozen coaches

Lakota schools discussed phase 4 of the system's budget cuts Monday night and is focusing this time on its athletics department.

The board is considering a $315,000 reduction in its athletics budget. Seventy-five percent of that will be personnel cuts.

Two assistant coaches each in football, bowling, cross country, and track will not be asked to return. The athletic director position at four junior high schools in the district would be eliminated. And the athletic trainer position at Lakota West High School would be cut.

During talks last week, the district proposed eliminating 69 teaching jobs, as well as restructuring art, music and physical education at its 14 elementary schools

So far, the boards proposed reductions account for $7.4 million of the $9 million they need to cut for next year.